By the NewAsNew UAE team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: For most buyers in the UAE, the MacBook Pro 16 M1 Pro (2021) is the better long-term buy: a much brighter 120Hz display, far better battery life, HDMI and SD card slots, and years more macOS updates. The Intel MacBook Pro 16 (2019) makes sense only if your budget is under AED 2,000 or you need Intel-only software such as Boot Camp Windows.
Both are 16-inch MacBook Pros, and both are in stock with us as Certified Refurbished, Grade A units. But they are built on completely different platforms, and the price gap is more than AED 2,000. This guide explains what you actually get for that money, using Apple’s own published specifications and our live prices.
What is the difference between the M1 Pro and Intel MacBook Pro 16?
The 2019 model (model number A2141) is the last 16-inch MacBook Pro built on Intel processors. Ours has a 6-core Intel Core i7 and a separate AMD Radeon Pro 5300M graphics card with 4GB of memory.
The 2021 model (A2485) uses Apple’s own M1 Pro chip. On our units that is a 10-core CPU with a 16-core GPU, built into one chip with the memory. Apple silicon runs cooler and uses much less power than the Intel design, which is why battery life and fan noise are so different between the two.
Side-by-side comparison
| MacBook Pro 16 (2019, Intel) | MacBook Pro 16 (2021, M1 Pro) | |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | A2141 | A2485 |
| Processor (our units) | Intel Core i7, 6-core | Apple M1 Pro, 10-core CPU |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5300M, 4GB | 16-core GPU (built into the chip) |
| RAM / storage (our stock) | 16GB / 512GB | 16GB or 32GB / 512GB or 1TB |
| Display | 16-inch Retina, 3072 × 1920, 500 nits | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3456 × 2234, ProMotion up to 120Hz, 1,000 nits sustained (1,600 nits peak HDR) |
| Apple-rated battery (when new) | Up to 11 hours wireless web | Up to 14 hours wireless web; up to 21 hours Apple TV app video |
| Ports | 4 × Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), headphone jack | 3 × Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, headphone jack |
| Keyboard extras | Touch Bar + Touch ID | Full-height function keys + Touch ID |
| Camera | 720p | 1080p |
| Our price (Grade A) | AED 1,649 | AED 3,699 – 4,299 |
Specifications from Apple’s technical specification pages for the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) and the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021). Prices are live NewAsNew UAE prices at the time of writing and include free delivery across the UAE.
Which one has better battery life?
The M1 Pro, clearly. Apple rates it at up to 14 hours of web browsing against up to 11 hours for the 2019 Intel model, and in everyday use the gap usually feels bigger because the Intel model’s processor and graphics card run hot under load.
One honest note about any used laptop: Apple’s figures are for a brand-new battery. Every MacBook we sell has its battery health measured during our 50-point inspection, and we only list units at 80% battery health or higher. So expect real-world battery life to be somewhat below Apple’s original rating, on either model.
How long will each MacBook get macOS updates?
This is the biggest reason we usually recommend the M1 Pro. Apple has said that macOS Tahoe (macOS 26) is the last major macOS version that will support Intel-based Macs (WWDC 2025 coverage). The 16-inch 2019 MacBook Pro is supported by Tahoe, so it is fully usable today, but it will not get future major macOS versions.
The M1 Pro runs on Apple silicon, which is where all of Apple’s new macOS features are going. If you plan to keep your MacBook for three years or more, that matters.
Is the Intel MacBook Pro 16 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, for the right buyer. The A2141 is worth it if:
- Your budget is around AED 1,500–2,000 and you want a large 16-inch Mac screen.
- You need to run Windows directly through Boot Camp, or you rely on older Intel-only apps or plug-ins.
- Your work is mostly office apps, browsing, email and video calls, where the Core i7 is still comfortable.
It is less suitable if you edit long 4K videos on battery, work outdoors in bright light, or want the laptop to stay on the newest macOS for years.
Who should buy the M1 Pro MacBook Pro 16?
- Video editors, designers and photographers — the XDR display and SD card slot make a real daily difference.
- Developers — the 10-core CPU and 32GB RAM option handle containers and large builds well.
- Anyone who works away from a desk — longer battery life and less heat.
- Buyers keeping the laptop for 3+ years — longer software support.
If you mostly do office work, 16GB with 512GB is enough. Choose 32GB if you run heavy creative apps or several virtual machines. Our RAM guide and storage guide explain this in more detail.
What should I check before buying a used MacBook Pro 16?
- Battery health percentage — ask for the measured number, not “good”. Ours is 80% or higher.
- Activation Lock / iCloud — the Mac must be signed out of the previous owner’s Apple ID.
- Charger — the 2019 model uses a 96W USB-C adapter; the 2021 model uses a 140W USB-C adapter with MagSafe 3. Our units ship with an original-brand charger.
- Keyboard and Touch Bar (2019) — every key and the Touch Bar should respond.
- Screen — check for marks, bright spots or coating wear.
- Return window and warranty — get them in writing before you pay.
Warranty, returns and delivery
Both MacBooks come with our 12-month NewAsNew Assured warranty. The battery and charger are not covered by the warranty; if either is faulty when it arrives, that is handled through our 14-day returns. Delivery is free anywhere in the UAE.
Browse every Mac we have in stock on our MacBooks page, or compare by budget: laptops from AED 1,500 to 2,000 and laptops above AED 2,000. For a wider overview of new, unboxed and Grade A MacBooks, read our MacBook buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can the 2019 Intel MacBook Pro 16 run macOS Tahoe?
Yes. The 16-inch 2019 MacBook Pro is on Apple’s compatibility list for macOS Tahoe. Apple has said Tahoe is the last major macOS release for Intel Macs, so it will not receive the next major version.
Does the M1 Pro MacBook Pro run Windows?
Not through Boot Camp. Apple silicon Macs cannot boot Windows directly. You can run Windows for Arm in virtualisation software such as Parallels Desktop. If you need native Windows, the Intel model or a Windows business laptop is a better choice.
Is the M1 Pro faster than the Intel Core i7 for video editing?
For most editing apps, yes. The M1 Pro has hardware media engines for ProRes and H.264/HEVC, and it keeps its performance on battery. The Intel model generally performs best when plugged in.
Which MacBook Pro 16 has the better screen?
The 2021 M1 Pro. Its Liquid Retina XDR display reaches 1,000 nits sustained brightness and up to 120Hz, compared with 500 nits and 60Hz on the 2019 model, according to Apple’s specifications.
What does Grade A mean on a NewAsNew MacBook?
Grade A is the condition grade on pre-owned units that have passed our 50-point inspection. Our QC criteria page lists every point we check.
Is a Certified Refurbished MacBook safe to buy in the UAE?
It is when the seller gives you a measured battery health figure, a written warranty and a clear return window. Our guide on whether buying a used laptop in Dubai is safe lists the 7 checks to make before you pay.
Questions about a specific unit? Message the NewAsNew UAE team on WhatsApp from any product page.
